EU launches digital risk inquiry into Elon Musk’s X over Grok images
The European Commission has opened a digital risk inquiry into Elon Musk’s social platform, X.
The case focuses on explicit images generated by the AI chatbot Grok. EU officials say the system allowed harmful content to spread across the platform. As a result, regulators believe users in Europe faced serious online risks. The investigation falls under the Digital Services Act. This law forces large platforms to control harmful and illegal material online. Officials will examine how X tested Grok before releasing it in Europe. They will also review how the company reduced known safety threats.
The Commission warned that some content may break EU laws. This includes manipulated sexual images and possible child exploitation material.
Global Pressure Grows on X and Grok
Grok sparked backlash earlier this year for producing sexualized images.
Users reportedly generated images involving children and private individuals. In response, X added new technical limits to Grok on its platform.
For example, the company blocked edits of real people in revealing clothing. X also restricted image tools to paid users on the platform.
However, the separate Grok app still allowed wider image generation. Meanwhile, other countries have taken notice. Regulators in the U.K., India, and Malaysia have launched similar reviews.
Digital Services Act
The EU already monitors X closely under the Digital Services Act. The law allows fines worth a percentage of global revenue. In addition, the Commission expanded a separate probe into X’s algorithms. Last year, regulators fined the company €120 million for transparency failures.
Therefore, pressure continues to build around AI safety and platform duty. As a result, this case could shape future rules for AI tools worldwide.
